Sam & Amy
Wedding Party
Samantha Jozwiak
Bride
Sam was born and raised in Northern California. She grew up as an athletic tomboy, pitching on multiple softball teams and going duck hunting with her dad. Since her retirement from the Navy as a corpsman, Sam has continued to pursue a career in healthcare, working as an EMT and starting nursing school at Concordia University. Amy was first drawn to Sam by her pretty smile and thoughtfulness. When Sam is not studying, she likes camping in the mountains, trying new local ciders, and eating queso!
Amy Bichlmeier
Bride
Amy was born and raised in Torrance, CA, often hitting the beach with her friends or playing midfield on the soccer field. She now spends her days working as a research coordinator at UT Austin's Dell Medical School in the psychiatry department. She loves walks with her pup Dixie, and curling up to read a good book. Amy enjoys watching Sam cook, and complaining about the dishes after. Sam's favorite things about Amy are her pretty eyes and intelligence.
Haley Jozwiak
Maid of Honor
Sam's younger sister leads her bridal party. Haley spends her days watching Criminal Minds, studying serial killers, and binging reruns of Seattle Kraken. Don't let her serious face fool you, she's full of sarcasm and a deep love for Irish car bombs (go ahead, ask her to do one with you). Amy and Sam are always thankful for Haley's support, suggestions, and random FaceTime calls to show us "look what the dog is doing!".
Joseph Bichlmeier
Man of Honor
Amy's older brother Joey has been by her side since the very beginning...literally! Their childhood consisted of little league games, cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, and trying to discreetly kill each other during long car rides to grandma's house. Now, Joey resides in California where he enjoys playing golf, and acting as Amy's unofficial financial advisor when she can't remember what accrued versus capitalized interest means. Amy is incredibly proud to have such a smart, fun brother to stand beside her on her big day.
Alexis Aguirre
Bridesmaid
Lex and Sam spent time in Coronado together while in the Navy. Much of their time was spent goofing off in the call center, sharing the rubber duck, or hiding in Amanda's office. Lex spends as much time as they can at raves, enjoying the festival atmosphere and trading "candy's" (bracelets). Lex tends to be the life of the party and will be caught on the dance floor busting a move or two!
Jenna Green
Bridesmaid
Asking Amy's cousin Jenna to be a bridesmaid was a no-brainer. As girls, Jenna and Amy could often be found at family holiday parties playing Sims, making up dances to pop punk songs, or sneaking sips of their parents' wine. Ask anyone in Amy's maternal family, and they'd be happy to tell you about being charged for "spa" services on Christmas day by these two. Nowadays, Jenna lives in Colorado and will hit up country music festivals whenever she can. Jenna has such a special place in Amy's heart, and Amy couldn't picture being a bride without Jenna standing just a few feet away.
Amanda Schwarz
Bridesmaid
Amanda and Sam have a funny history. Both in Coronado for the Navy, they will tell you they strongly disliked each other at first, and somehow, ended up living together with a couple other coworkers. They have grown to become great friends, and continue to support each other after they retired from the Navy. Amanda is eager to explore the world, starting at Korea, and spends her time writing and chasing after her daughter.
Mallory Patino
Bridesmaid
Amy and Mallory met in 2015 through their sorority, Sigma Kappa, at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Amy knew Mallory was the "big sister" for her when she could have an intelligent conversation with her one minute, and the next be dropping it low on a party bus. Amy has always admired Mallory's style, independence, and determination (back in the day, Mallory held records as the captain on Cal Poly SLO's track team!). Mallory currently resides in Atascadero, CA with her husband, cat, and two dogs, and always has a spot on the pull-out couch when Amy needs it.
Kim Jozwiak
Mother of the Bride
Sam’s mom, Kim, is the social butterfly of the family. The couple appreciates her "25 cents" input, and her unending generosity. She loves playing bingo with her girlfriends; on one of the brides’ first visits to Sam’s hometown, Kim took Amy to bingo and got her hooked! If she's not home, she's on her trips to Disneyland on the lookout for a new popcorn bucket.
Kristen Bichlmeier
Mother of the Bride
Amy's mom is is the rock of the family, and has always been Amy's #1 supporter. She is always a phone call away when either Amy or Sam needs some solid advice. Kristen enjoys playing bunco, getting mani/pedis with Amy, and playing with her dog Grace (who is the spitting image of Amy's dog, Dixie!). Both brides are excited to have Kristen be part of their special day.
Craig Jozwiak
Father of the Bride
If you think you see Sam with a shaved head - nope! - it's her father. Twins in appearance and demeanor, these two are practically identical. Sam followed in her father's footsteps of joining the military, and drinking of rum and Cokes. Craig enjoys spending his days duck hunting, golfing, or cheering on the Packers in his man cave!
Gwendolyn Schwarz
Flower Girl
Amanda's daughter, Gwen, is the happy couple's flower girl. With her Auntie Sam getting married, she couldn't say no. At just a few months old, Amy and Sam took Gwen to her first pride festival in 2022! She spends her days eating Cheeto puffs, and using her mom as a rock climbing wall.
Erik Ziegelman
Officiant
Sam's uncle (guncle, if you will), Erik, will be officiating their wedding. Erik and his husband, Brian, recently married in May 2023 and live with their fur baby Frida in California. Erik and Sam will both tell you they have many funny memories of their younger days. Erik used to carry Sam in his backpack! One of the brides’ favorite memories with Erik is when they traveled the East Coast on a cruise in 2022 together and got to explore Boston, Maine, and Canada. We are so extremely happy and honored that Erik is able to be a part of our special day.